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When it comes to metal detecting for relics, you need to know where to look and also have the right metal detector.

There is no shortage of locations that are ripe for the picking of long forgotten remnants of the past (a.k.a ‘relics’). Just bring along your metal detector and let the excitement begin! Among the hot spots to locate relics are deserted or abandoned buildings. Anywhere people once lived will yield treasure that can be located by a metal detector. Many times you will find rooms in abandoned homes that were left just as they were when they were lived in decades ago.

Detecting for relics is different than searching for gold or coins. Old houses and buildings can present hobbyists with a tremendous amount of junk iron and nails. For these sites, using a small amount of discrimination will prove highly beneficial. You don’t want to use too much discrimination so as to reject valuable targets. Daniel Bernzweig of MetalDetector.com advises “If you’re using a detector that has a visual target display, rely heavily on it to identify your targets. Correlate the audio and visual signals before making a decision to dig a target.” Recommended reading for relic hunters is What are the Best Metal Detectors for Finding Relics?

Discrimination and Target Identification are valuable, time-saving features on metal detectors. But experts advise against overlooking all targets that indicate aluminum or other “junk.” Your target may look or sound like a pull tab, foil, bottle cap, nail or tin; however, this can be deceiving. The fact is—old aluminum pull tabs have a similar ring tone as gold. It would be very unfortunate to pass up a gold or silver ring because you’re discriminating out potential junk.

“Dig Up Everything” is the Mantra of Many Detectorists

Discrimination blocks your detector’s response from targets you choose to eliminate. This is helpful for coin hunters, but not so much for relic hunters. Relic hunters usually err on the safe side by digging up anything that’s made of metal. Detectorist and author Dick Stout says, “Gold and aluminum are so close in conductivity, it’s virtually impossible to reject one target without rejecting the other.” So, consider what treasure you’re after. For relics and jewelry, your discrimination setting should be very LOW.

Target Identification – Audio is Just as Important as Visual

Target Identification has gotten sophisticated on all of the latest metal detectors. And many models claim they can precisely identify what you’ve found. Further, there are some advanced detectors that actually show you a visual of what’s underfoot! Target ID will show you whether your target is a copper penny (minted before 1982) or a zinc penny. It will distinguish between clad coins, silver, gold and other metals. Sophisticated detectors like theWhites Spectra VX3 will tell you the target you’ve found (nickel, quarter, gold, silver), but there is still overlap between pull tabs and gold. Get to know your detector’s audio tones, because this will help tremendously in distinguishing treasure from trash!

Hobbyists today are turning to metal detectors to help them make money by finding hidden gold and silver jewelry.

It’s hard to resist the prospect of finding lost treasure—that’s why there is a growing attraction to the hobby of metal detecting. Nowadays, the selection of “turn-on-and-go” detectors is endless; anybody can get the hang of it! Jewelry is at the top of the list for many detectorists and it’s relatively easy to find. For example, sunbathers and swimmers lose jewelry at the beach all the time. Throwing a Frisbee can fling rings from fingers or break clasps on necklaces, bracelets and chains. Beginning hobbyists say they find valuables at the beach and along the shoreline on their first time out.

Gold and silver rings, watches, necklaces, bracelets, anklets and sunglasses are among the items you can search for with your metal detector. You may be interested in profiting from these finds or starting a collection. Michael Bernzweig of MetalDetector.com suggests reading about available types of metal detectors and features you’re interested in first. “Once you have decided on a few prospective metal detector brands, use our ‘Shop by Product Features’ tool. Then, when you select ‘compare,’ the site will show you a side-by-side comparison chart,” Michael advises. To read about some popular metal detectors for prospecting jewelry and which models are best for you, read What are the Best Metal Detectors for Metal Detecting on the Beach?

When trying to find treasures buried deep within the ground, you'll need a deep seeking metal detector that can help you locate it.

Have you happened upon an exciting tip regarding the whereabouts of a buried treasure also known as a treasure cache? It may be the opportunity of a lifetime! With the right equipment, it’s possible to unearth enviable treasure. Obviously, caches exist in all different shapes and sizes; it depends on who buried their treasure and what the circumstances were. If you anticipate that the cache is deeply buried, you’ll need a deep-seeking or two-box metal detector. Daniel Bernzweig of MetalDetector.com offers this advice, “Try to determine the depth of the cache. Within an arm’s length seems to be most frequent. However, over time, caches have been recovered from depths different than where they were originally buried.”

Deep-seeking and two-box metal detectors will generate the best results for anything buried deeper than 1 meter. A ground two-box metal detector can penetrate the earth using special search coils that transmit signals. Once the signal reaches the treasure, it bounces back to the metal detector, which pinpoints the location. Learn more about deep search metal detectors and their specialized purposes by reading: What are the Best Two Box and Deep Metal Detectors? This article details how to go about searching for a treasure cache and walks you through which deep seeking metal detectors will help you get the job done.

Metal detectors have become a great tool for people getting into geocaching as it provides them with another tool to use while hunting for treasure.

The sport of geocaching is catching on like wildfire throughout the USA and worldwide. It’s as easy as 1-2-3 to get started with geocaching if you’re interested. All you need to do is 1. Visit geocaching websites to learn a bit about how it works. 2. Select a specific geocache and get the GPS coordinates. 3. Locate the geocache—put your name in the logbook and document the time/date in the website log. Not only is locating a geocache a personal achievement, the sport evokes a sense of community. Geocachers are all logging the same finds; they also help each other with traveling to geocaching locations.

There are several reasons why geocachers like to utilize metal detectors while they are out on a mission. For one thing, it can speed up the treasure hunting process when you are so close but just can find the cache. Metal detectors can help locate the geocaching coins that many times are buried with a cache.

Geocaching and Family Fun

Geocaching is exciting, even more so when done as an outing with the whole family. Bringing a metal detector along will help to pique the interest of all members of your family no matter which activity they get involved with. When geocaching or metal detecting as a family, you will be sharing an adventure and making memories that you will treasure for years to come. For even more fun, let’s combine geocaching and camping. There is an RV camping resort that just wrote a blog post about geocaching and camping called “GPS Treasure Hunting – A Camper’s Guide to Geocaching“.

Michael Bernzweig of MetalDetector.com says “Geocaching or camping alone are great hobbies shared by many of our customers. When you combine them with the hobby of metal detecting, all in one, the possibilities will seem endless“ Michael suggests you learn more about metal detectors and geocaching by reading two insightful articles that we have written: Metal Detectors are Useful in Geocaching and Geocaching with a Metal Detector.

MetalDetector.com's Learning Library can provide you with all the info you need about metal detectors and metal detecting equipment.

The Learning Library of Metal Detectors at MetalDetector.com is an amazing compilation of “how to” guides, metal detector articles, in-depth product reviews, field tests, videos, product manuals and catalogs. It is perhaps the most comprehensive “how to” collection of information about the hobby of metal detecting available on the internet. But, it’s not just for hobbyists; you’ll find articles about professional uses for metal detection equipment such as security and industrial units. MetalDetector.com’s Learning Library features all introductory topics for beginning detectorists as well as volumes of articles pertaining to intermediate and advanced-level detecting and equipment. Basically, anybody and everybody seeking information about metal detecting should visit this online library.

Compare Metal Detectors

Before making any important purchase, it’s wise to gain knowledge about the product you’re buying. For example, if someone is in the market for a new car, they check out Consumer Reports or Edmunds.com. It’s the same when it comes to a metal detector. Michael Bernzweig of MetalDetector.com considers the Learning Library to be a tremendous resource. He says, “When my brother Daniel & I launched MetalDetector.com, our goal was to provide all of the customer service of a local dealer with the resources of a library. A library exclusively dedicated to the use of metal detectors. This is an exciting tool for our customers to use and learn from.”

Based on which type of treasure hunting you’ll be doing or professional application, you can find the best metal detector for the task. Simply click on the section of the Learning Library called Buying Guide Articles. Here, you’ll find a table of contents organized by usage. There are tabs dedicated to every type of hobby detecting from: coin hunting to gold prospecting, relic hunting, treasure caches & hoards, meteorite hunting, scuba detecting and so much more. There are articles about the best detectors for kids and seniors. Buying Guide Articles also includes a widely viewed section called Getting Started with several helpful articles for people who are new to detecting.

Be sure to check out the sections of our Learning Library of Metal Detectors:1. Buying Guide Articles
“What’s the Best” series of articles for each type of metal detecting application.2. Field Tests & Reviews
Read actual field test reports from a wide variety of authors and sources.3. Instructional Manuals
Find a wide variety of manuals for all of the current metal detector models that we offer.4.Treasure Videos
Discover the latest metal detector tips, techniques, how-to guides and product videos.5. Product Catalogs
Get general information on metal detectors from manufacturers’ brochures.

If you would like personalized help in selecting the best metal detectors or accessories for your needs, feel free to contact us.

With the right metal detector, you will be able to find hidden treasures like antique toy cars.

Back in “The Good Old Days” toys weren’t made from plastic. Toys were made of metal and made to last. This is great news for metal detector enthusiasts! Antique toys like metal cars and trucks, tin windup toys, lead soldiers, and many others can still be found all around the world in many different types of locations that are easily accessible to metal detectors. From former dumps to old home sites and more, old toys can be unearthed almost anywhere actually; and they can sell for quite a bit depending on the type of toy you find along with it’s condition.

You won’t locate anything if you don’t have the right machine though. If toys and other types of collectibles antiques like these will be a primary target for your metal detecting expeditions, there are a few features you’ll definitely want to be sure your machine has in order to be successful in your search.

Ground Balance Controls

When metal detecting relics and antique toys, dealing with ground mineralization in many parts of the world is a reality. Choose a machine that features a ground balance (also known as ground adjust) control. This will enable the metal detector to filter out all this extra chatter caused by the ground minerals, while still being sensitive enough to target lower conductivity metals like those that antique toys were made of.

Lower Frequency Metal Detectors

Metals like cast iron, tin, and steel have lower conductivity and, as a result, will be best located with a lower frequency metal detector as opposed to a high frequency machine. Please see our newly released Learning Library article: “Antique Toy Hunting with a Metal Detector” for help in sorting out your best metal detector choices on this subject.

Pinpointing Control

Using a metal detector like the Garrett AT Pro, you will easily be able to find buried antiques and relics.

A metal detector that incorporates a pinpointing control is helpful when metal detecting relics like antique toys. This additional capability allows your machine to zero in more precisely on your target for easier excavation and faster recovery.

If your metal detector has these three features, you should be all set as far as your machine goes, but, once you locate something, good digging tools are a must to make target recovery easier and more efficient. Lesche digging tools are a good example of what we mean here. Strong, tough and build to last, these aren’t garden tools, these are metal detector digging tools and the difference shows. In addition to a quality digger, consider a hand held pin-pointer like the Garrett Pro-Pointer. This device will help you quickly and precisely locate your target in the hole.

In addition to your equipment needs, we also recommend that you do your research in order to find a good site to begin your search. Look for places that were vibrant communities during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Choose locations like old schools, parks, playgrounds, and as we mentioned above, old dumps and home sites. If your research leads you to a private piece of property, you will need to get permission from owners prior to metal detecting there. Without their OK you may end up in trouble for trespassing as well as for removing anything you find on private lands.

Now that your research is done and you’ve got all the equipment you need, you’re ready to begin metal detecting relics and increasing your collection of antique toys; and possibly the size of your bank account as well!

The Garrett Infinium LS (“L” for land, and “S” for sea) is the king of all multi-faceted metal detectors. This model is equally adept at land detecting as shallow and deep water diving.

The Garrett Infinium LS metal detector is one of the best detectors for treasure hunters looking for deeply buried gold nuggets, coins and relics.

The Garrett Infinium LS Metal Detector is nicknamed the “Go Anywhere” detector for good reason—it’s fully capable and ready to detect in all terrains, on land or underwater. It really is the king of multi-faceted metal detectors. Avid detectorists have long awaited a high-end fully-loaded model that will accurately hunt both land and sea. The Infinium LS is the frontrunner of detectors that get outstanding marks for land detecting as well as shallow and deep water diving. Garrett’s exclusive Advance Pulse Induction (API) technology is what sets this metal detector above all the rest. The Infinium is one of the deepest seeking metal detectors for gold nugget detection. Also of note is the fact that the Garrett Infinium LS is one of the top rated gold metal detectors found on the article “What’s The Best Gold Prospecting Metal Detector?“.

Garrett Infinium LS Features

The Infinium LS boasts so many stand-out qualities; it’s hard to know where to begin. Experts agree this model’s Advanced Pulse Induction circuitry is the industry’s greatest innovation in years. It is extremely deep seeking and automatically cancels out salt/ground mineralization. It also features full-range discrimination. The Discrimination Dial provides all-metal detecting or varying degrees of discrimination. And the Infinium LS provides discrimination for nearly 100% of its detection depth- which is state-of-the-art. Three controls are all you need to successfully hunt for relics in old battlefields, shipwreck dive, search for gold nuggets or easily locate jewelry and coins. The control box functions include Discrimination, Threshold and Automatic Ground Track. Ground Track is equipped with lock, slow and fast settings to master changing soil conditions. Garrett recommends that Discrimination should be initially set on 0 or a low level to determine which types of trash metal targets you want to eliminate. It is also suggested that the Threshold be set low on this model for optimal audio detection.

If you're looking for a metal detector to take diving for hidden relics in sunken ships, then the Garrett Infinium LS is the detector for you.

The Infinium LS features rugged design and exceptional stability, even in heavy mineralized soil. Its adjustable operating frequency is a stand-out feature, as it minimizes electrical interference—especially helpful for isolating gold nuggets. Also, Infinium LS’s Reverse Discrimination feature will identify most iron. This model comes with land headphones, a 10″x14″ Power DD searchcoil and is waterproof. Scuba dive down to 200 feet when you add the optional Garrett Submersible Headphones.

Abdallah said “It’s the best performing detector in the field… very satisfied with it! Thank you!”

Travis said “The Garrett Infinium LS is one awesome machine. I was looking for a metal detector that would go from highly mineralized gold fields to scuba diving in fresh water. The Infinium has awesome depth in any soil conditions. This machine is definitely worth the price. I would highly recommend the Garrett Infinium to any serious treasure hunter.”

H. Oseb said “I’ve found the Infinium to be such a versatile machine. It gives you the freedom to search the beaches, to wade out onto the surf, to search for lost jewelry, and to cope with the highly mineralized ground of gold fields. And to do all of them well! A wonderful unit.”

You’ve never seen a multi-faceted detector like the Garrett Infinium LS before. The Infinium LS is easy to use with optimum deep-seeking capability. The superior technology of API is what makes it possible to hunt the gold fields of Australia just as successfully as wreck diving in Maui; to hunt Civil War relics just as easily as treasure hunting Pacific or Atlantic beaches. The Infinium LS is lightweight and features 4 control housing configurations to suit every pro treasure hunter. Settings such as Ground Tracking, Discrimination, Threshold and Detection Frequency allow you to adjust this model for any and every metal detecting excursion. Check out the Garrett Infinium LS video to take a deeper dive into this model. On the Infinium LS product page, you will see the detectors full description, specifications, instruction manual and accessories including a wide range of optional search coils.

Get the resources you need to find the best metal detector for your treasure search.

If you are shopping for a last minute holiday gift, our fast shipping will get it to you quickly and on time! Please see our Holiday Metal Detector Shipping Schedule, for deadlines on placing your order. With the articles and resources found in our Learning Library, selecting metal detectors and accessories will also be fast and easy. As always, please contact us with any questions you may have.

The pinpoint control of the Teknetics Delta 4000 metal detector makes it simple to find buried treasures.

For metal detecting hobbyists who crave an abundance of high-tech features, yet want to spend under $300, the Teknetics Delta 4000 is the way to go. Read on and discover why this lightweight, feature-packed powerhouse is worth a serious look. The Teknetics Delta 4000 is a considerable step up from the manufacturer’s entry-level Alpha 2000 for just $80 more. This unit has enhanced target identification capabilities, more operating modes and menu options and an added precision pinpoint control. Delta 4000’s 99-digit visual display indicator really helps to fine-tune identification of your targets. Also, the jumbo LCD screen is one of the largest in its price range.

Added Pinpoint Control is Very Accurate

Pinpointing is the process of finding the exact location of an object. Long-buried items can appear similar to the surrounding soil and can sometimes be difficult to isolate. The pinpoint control on the Delta 4000 is one of the most accurate and easiest to use. All you need to do is hit the pinpoint button and then move your search coil until you reach the highest number on your screen. The object will be located directly in the center of the coil. The number on the display screen while pinpointing will be your target’s approximate depth in inches.

Teknetics Delta 4000 Features

The easy to use Teknetics Delta 4000 metal detector LCD display helps you to find buried relics and treasures deep within the ground.

The Delta 4000 is a very sophisticated, powerful metal detector that is extremely easy to operate. It is designed with a transmit frequency of 7.8 kHz and features a concentric 8″ open-face coil system for deep target detection. The Delta 4000 will detect a coin-sized object to a distance of 8 to 12″ from the searchcoil at maximum sensitivity. Larger metal objects can be detected over a foot! The jumbo LCD display features two sections: Mode and Menu. Simply press the Mode button to toggle between the Discriminate mode and All-Metals mode. All-Metals offers maximum sensitivity to all buried targets. Press the Menu button to select the menu item you wish to adjust. Each mode has individual adjustable sensitivity settings.

Common targets are shown on the LCD display, such as iron, foil, nickels, aluminum, pennies, quarters, etc. A numerical category ID system is yet another way the Delta 4000 helps to precisely identify your target. Three different audio tones (low tone, medium tone and high tone) offer unique sounds, so you can determine if you’ve located trash or treasure. Six levels of discrimination are ideal for honing in on your intended targets. Discrimination will eliminate each target category as you select it. Delta 4000 users also say they appreciate both the 1/8” and 1/4” headphone jacks as they accommodate your preferred metal detecting headphones.

Mike said: “This is a world-class detector for the price. The first thing you will notice is the lightweight, around 2.5 pounds, maybe less. Its vdi numbers are very precise, they will really help to ID targets like coins. Just like other detectors some tabs will have the exact same vdi numbers as nickels. Also with 2 audio jacks, and a volume adjust, this helps to keep the tones at a level you can take.”

Peter said: “Great bang for your buck. I managed to trade one model for a brand new Teknetics Delta 4000. What a difference!!! The Delta 4000 is going to be my first of many Teknetics machines. I love this detector. My first time out I went to a local park and in just 1 hour I found 15 clad coins. I can’t brag this machine up enough for the price.”

All of the Bells & Whistles at an Affordable Price

The Delta 4000 gets high marks for features and functions normally found on more advanced units. Its deep detection depths and enhanced target ID have made this a very popular metal detector for countless ground conditions. Detectorists will definitely appreciate Delta 4000’s pinpoint control and notch discrimination. You can notch out anything in the icon bar and also notch in targets. The simple push-button controls, numerical depth readout and discrimination by categories will be impressive to both the professional treasure hunter and the novice. At a lightweight 2.2 pounds, hunting for hours really does seem like a walk in the park. With the Delta 4000, you can look forward to targeting the flavor of the day (old coins) and search for a different treasure tomorrow (jewelry or relics). Learn can more about features and how they compare to the other Teknetics Metal Detectors.

In summary, you will easily cherry pick just the best treasures with the Teknetics Delta 4000 metal detector. It is powerful and chock full of features. Get your hands on one today, you will be happy that you did.